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Profile of “Rhamantus”

Noelle

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Member since September 16, 2006

Last login over 2 years ago

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To suggest books to this user you can use her alias, rhamantus.

Most Recent Review

Memoirs of a Geisha - Rated Worth Reading

A year ago, I probably would have been one of those people who ranted and raved about this book. However, since then I've read actual memoirs (such as <i>Geisha: A Life</i> by Mineko Iwasaki), and I'm in the midst of reading Liza Dalby's book <i>Geisha</i>. So far, from what I've read of these works, Golden's book pales in comparision. Another reviewer mentioned it before, and it's true: it is odd for an American man to write as a Japanese woman, especially one so singular and distinct as a geisha. It is worth reading from a purely literary standpoint-- it is well-written. However, if you're looking for a totally accurate depiction of geisha life, this book falls short of that. His portrayal of geisha as mostly sexual playthings of rich old men portrays a distinctly Western male bias (and fantasy), and doesn't do justice to the unique position and opportunity the geisha have.

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